Pharmacies in Hillingdon could play a greater role in easing the pressure on local GPs, according to a report discussed at the Health and Social Care Select Committee meeting on Tuesday, 22 July 2025. The report, part of the Public reports pack for the meeting, used data from NHS Digital to assess the pressure on GPs in Hillingdon.

The committee reviewed GP coverage in the borough, considering the number and location of GPs and whether this is adequate for the local population. The review explored how pharmacies and other providers could alleviate pressure on GPs. The report explores the possibility of pharmacies providing additional services to alleviate the pressure on GPs. However, it does not make specific recommendations, but rather identifies this as an area for further investigation: To explore the possibility of pharmacies providing additional services to alleviate the pressure on GPs.

The report highlighted that GPs are often the first point of contact for people with health needs, and either treat patients or refer them to the appropriate pathway. As of September 2024, there were 38,421 NHS GPs in England.

NHS England has delegated the direct commissioning of primary care services to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), including contractual management and service improvement.

Map of Hillingdon showing GP coverage and patient counts by Primary Care Network (PCN).
Map of Hillingdon showing GP coverage and patient counts by Primary Care Network (PCN).Source: Health and Social Care Select Committee papers, 22 July 2025

The report noted that the number of patients per GP is higher in North West London than the London or England average. Hillingdon has 42 GP surgeries organised into six Primary Care Networks (PCNs), with two GP practices not allocated to a PCN. The report also notes that Hillingdon has no GPs in Ruislip Manor or Hillingdon West wards; however, the report does not provide reasons for this or detail what is being done to address it.

The report uses data from NHS Digital to show the number of registered patients per full-time-equivalent GP in NHS areas. It also includes data on the number of fully qualified GPs and GPs in training grades in North West London, London, and England. The report states, The number of patients per GP is higher in North West London than the London or England average.

The committee considered lines of enquiry such as:

  • Are the services provided by pharmacies in Hillingdon alleviating the pressure on GPs?
  • What additional services could be provided by pharmacies to alleviate pressure on GPs?